CHAPA Build on Your Land (BOYL) Program

Customer Application and Contracting Guide

Welcome to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA). This guide outlines the application, assessment, approval, and contracting process for customers participating in CHAPA’s Build on Your Land (BOYL) Program.

The information provided will assist applicants in understanding the requirements and steps involved in obtaining approval and entering into a residential construction contract with CHAPA.

1. Application Requirements

To initiate the application process, applicants must submit the following documents with the application:

Required Supporting Documents

Personal Documentation

• Completed CHAPA Application Form
• Copy of Passport Bio-Data Page (Proof of Citizenship)
• Proof of Address
• Employment Verification and/or Proof of Income

Property Documentation

• Certified Copy of Land Register (issued within the last 30 days by the Land Registry)
• Surveyor’s Parcel Diagram (available from the Survey and Mapping Division)
• Cadastral Map (available from the Survey and Mapping Division)

Financial Documentation

• Bank Qualification Letter confirming borrowing or funding capacity from the applicant’s lending institution

Utility and Site Documentation

• APUA Water Connection Application Form (applicant to complete personal information section)
• APUA Electrical Connection Application Form (applicant to complete personal information section)
• Percolation Test Results (where applicable)
• Soil Analysis Report (where applicable)

2. Application Submission Process

Step 1 – Submit Application

Applicants may:

• Download and complete the application form online, or
• Obtain a physical application form from CHAPA’s Head Office.

The completed application form and all required supporting documents must be submitted to CHAPA for processing.

Step 2 – Application Review

Upon receipt of all required documents:

• CHAPA’s Sales and Applications Department will review the application.
• Applicants will be invited to select a house model from CHAPA’s approved contractor portfolio.
• A site inspection will be scheduled.
• A preliminary construction estimate will be prepared.

Step 3 – Offer Letter

Following the site assessment and preparation of the construction estimate, CHAPA will issue an Offer Letter outlining:

• The proposed house model;
• Estimated construction cost; and
• Applicable terms and conditions.

Applicants should submit the Offer Letter to their lending institution for loan processing.

Step 4 – Financing Approval

Applicants must work with their lending institution to secure approval for financing.

Please note that your lending institution may require a Valuation Report and/or an Engineer’s Report as part of the loan approval process. Applicants should follow the specific requirements and instructions provided by their bank.

3. Assessment Process

Technical Assessment

The application will be forwarded to CHAPA’s Construction Projects Department for technical review and project costing.

This assessment will include:

• Verification of site conditions;
• Review of utility accessibility;
• Evaluation of construction feasibility;
• Coordination with the selected construction practitioner or contractor; and
• Preparation of the final contract price.

The final contract price will be communicated to the applicant through the Sales and Applications Department for review and acceptance.

Property Inspection Requirements

A site inspection will be scheduled with the applicant.

Before the inspection, applicants must ensure that:

1. The property is adequately cleared to facilitate access and assessment.
2. All property boundary markers are visible and identifiable.
3. The site is accessible for inspection by CHAPA representatives and technical personnel.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in delays in processing the application.

4. Contracting Process

Acceptance of Contract Price

Once the final contract price and terms have been communicated in writing, applicants will have fourteen (14) business days to confirm their intention to proceed with the project.

Deposit Requirement

To initiate the contracting process, applicants must provide a non-refundable commitment deposit of:

EC$1,500.00

This deposit will be applied in accordance with the terms of the construction agreement.

Contract Finalization Period

Construction contracts must be fully executed within sixty (60) days of acceptance of the contract offer, unless otherwise approved by CHAPA.

5. Steps to Finalize the Construction Contract

1. Confirm acceptance of the contract price and terms.
2. Submit the required non-refundable deposit.
3. Provide any outstanding documentation requested by CHAPA or the lending institution.
4. Review the construction contract and associated schedules carefully.
5. Execute the contract within the prescribed timeframe.
6. Retain a signed copy of the contract for your records.

6. Important Information

Applicants are encouraged to:

• Ensure that all submitted documents are complete, accurate, and current.
• Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
• Monitor all deadlines relating to financing, deposits, and contract execution.
• Maintain communication with CHAPA throughout the application and construction process.

Incomplete applications or failure to meet established deadlines may result in delays or cancellation of the application.

Build On Your Land Form – Print and Submit at  Our Office or E-mail

Contact Information

For additional information or assistance regarding the Build on Your Land (BOYL) Program, please contact:

Sales and Applications Department
Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA)

Email: enquiry@visitchapa.com
Phone: (268) 462-0169, (268) 462-2033
Address: Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA), P.O Box 868, Lower All Saints Road, St. John’s, Antigua.

CHAPA remains committed to helping Antiguans and Barbudans achieve homeownership through safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions.